A medical team from Zhejiang poses for a group photo before their departure. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

On a mission to offer international assistance, China's 27th team of medical workers – on this occasion, from East China's Zhejiang province – left for the Republic of Mali in Africa on Oct 2, according to local officials.

Among the medical team of 23, six were from the city of Quzhou.

Liao Lijun, director of the Quzhou Municipal Health Commission, told the team members to bear in mind their mission essentially remained unchanged, that they should closely observe medical discipline and they should unite and assist each other in performing their duties.

"Take care of your health during your work and come back safely," Liao said.

Medical team captain Qu Weiwei said the group would practice and carry forward the spirit of "healing the wounded and rescuing the dying and being dedicated to the cause".

Qu, deputy chief physician of the department of anesthesiology at Quzhou Hospital of Zhejiang Medical University, said that he and his team were on an 18-month medical mission in Mali.

Qu Weiwei sent a message on Oct 12, when he arrived at his work place in Mali.

Conditions for staff have greatly improved in recent years and nowadays the medical team can connect with their families via online video every day, to alleviate any feelings of being homesick.